Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin

Alpha toxin is a 43 kDa protein. It contains two domains, an N-terminal domain which is a zinc-dependent phospholipase C, and a C-terminal domain which is involved in membrane binding. Alpha-toxin is a classic example of a toxin that modifies cell membranes by enzymatic activity. It degrades phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, both components of eukaryotic cell membranes. Also, alpha-toxin activates several other membrane and internal cell mechanisms that lead to hemolysis.